Photo By Lance Cpl. Peter Sanders | Lance Cpl. Elechung R. Rechirei processes administrative paperwork March 5 on Naval...... read more read more
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NAVAL COMPUTER AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AREA MASTER STATION, Guam – For most service members, leaving for an exercise means time away from friends and family. However, that is the opposite for two Marines deployed to Guam with Combat Logistics Detachment 39 for Exercise Guahan Shield.
“It’s exciting, and I can’t wait to leave base to see my family and friends,” said Lance Cpl. Janine M. Nadal, an ammunition technician with CLD-39 and native of Dededo, Guam.
Nadal and Lance Cpl. Elechung R. Rechirei, a supply warehouse clerk with CLD-39 who spent part of her childhood on Guam, both left for boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., from Guam and are now returning home during Guahan Shield.
Nadal and Rechirei enlisted around the same time, and were two of five women in the delayed entry program in Yigo, Guam. There, they became good friends; sharing experiences and helping each other grow. Though they did not attend boot camp at the same time, they have been reunited through Guahan Shield.
Rechirei grew up with many siblings on the nearby island of Palau, and moved with her family to Latte Heights, Guam, where she began her freshman year of high school at Washington High School.
While in high school, Rechirei spent much of her time at the local recruiter’s office pursing her personal goal, to become a service member.
“I would always hang out at my recruiting office,” said Rechirei. “It was a way to get away and have some fun with like-minded people.”
Rechirei said joining the military was a relatively simple choice.
“It was an easy decision,” said Rechirei. “I had always wanted to join the military; I just didn’t know which branch. When the Marine Corps recruiter called me, I was extremely happy and motivated. I made the right choice.”
Rechirei enjoys activities such as playing guitar, singing and playing softball. She played softball with the Marine Corps softball team at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejune, N.C.
Nadal’s story is a bit different than Rechirei’s.
Nadal grew up in Dededo, Guam, and attended John F. Kennedy High School, where she became involved in her community through volunteer work. One of her most proud achievements was attaining her registered nursing assistant certification.
Nadal had a very personal reason for joining the Marine Corps.
Nadal’s father meant to enlist, but when the time came, her grandfather was hospitalized for a heart condition, according to Nadal. Her father decided to back out of possible enlistment to take care of her grandfather. Years later, Nadal was in the same position with her father, only she took her father’s advice and completed her enlistment package as a way to honor him.
“I simply wanted to carry on my dad’s legacy — finish what he started,” said Nadal.
Both women hope to use their experiences and time to help educate other Marines about Guam and share the island’s beauty and culture, while passing on the knowledge they have gained in the Marine Corps with their local communities.
“I’m really dedicated to this island,” said Nadal. “I put myself out there to make sure the rest of the Marines on the exercise treat the island with respect.”
Neither Marine has spent much time with family since joining the Marine Corps, but hope they will have opportunities to catch up with their loved ones during Guahan Shield.
“I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to be back here,” said Nadal. “Even though I want to go out and see other parts of the world, this place will always be my home.
| Date Taken: | 03.01.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 03.10.2013 08:47 |
| Story ID: | 103226 |
| Location: | DEDEDO, GU |
| Hometown: | DEDEDO, GU |
| Web Views: | 154 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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